Improvement in pencil-cases



J. MONAGHAN.

PENCIL-CASE.

Patented Dec.19, 1876.

'mmsswr- Irma/ah 0276152 flow N-PETERS, PNO\OIJTHOGRAPHER WASHINGTON D CUN TED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH MONAGHAN, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT IN PENCIL-CASES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No- 185,562, dated December19, 1876; application filed June 16, 1876.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JOSEPH MONAGHAN, ofBrooklyn, Kings county, State of New York, have invented an Improvementin Pencil- Oases, of which the following is a specification:

In the accompanying drawings, in which like letters indicate like parts,Figure 1 is a view of a pencil closed up for carriage; Fig. 2, the sameextended for use; and Fig. 3 a cross-section, showing its internalstructure.

This invention relates to ornamental pencilcases; and consists of ashell or casing formed from a single piece of natural mineral substancebored through and through, so as to fit upon the barrel of a pencil andexpose a smooth, unbroken, and highly ornamental exterior surface.

Mechanical pencils, such as have means for propelling the marking-leadinto and out of a protecting-case, have had the exposed surface of saidcase ornamented in various ways.

It has long been common to chase, engrave, or otherwise provide anornamental pattern upon the exterior metal surface of such pencils. Anexternal finish has also been given to such pencils by providing themwith covering-sleeves of rubber and bone, but these materials present aplain appearance, and, While useful as a structure, because they presenta non corrosive handling-surface, areless ornamental than the patternedmetal surface.

An entire surface of pearl has also been provided, by attaching stripsof pearl together so as to form a circular shell, whose exterior shallpresent a highly-ornamental surface. And polygonal pencil barrels havehad strips of mother of pearl aflixed to their external surface, so asto present alternate stripes of pearl and metal.,

The merchantability of these pencils has thus come to depend upon theornamental efl'ects given to their exterior cases or shells.

In producing my article, I provide the ordinary construction of pencilwith a barrel or case, which I form from a mineral substance, thosehaving strata or viens of contrasting colorsas beryl, cornelian,blood-stone, agate, and other materials such as are ordinarily set asjewelry, being selected. These I bore with an opening which shall fitthe pencil-stock, and I dress the surface so as to present a circular orpolygonal surface as may be desired. The cutting operation isaccomplished in like manner to that performed by lapidaries infashioning like materials into buttons and fanciful shapes for articlesof jewelry.

A pencil-case thus constructed presents a hard smooth wearing-surface,which will not corrode or oxidize, and which from the nature of thematerial composing it will present a varied and beautiful pattern whichwill resist Wear and exposure. The highest ornamentation is thus securedwithout expense in its structure, as is the case where strips ofmaterial are required to secure the desired effects, and an article ofmanufacture is produced which exceeds in its beauty of surfacefinish anypencil known to the market at the present time, and one which is readilydistinguishable from pencils made of rubber, bone, or similar material.

The drawings illustrate, in Fig. 1, a barrel or case, composed ofblood-stone; and in Fig. 2, one made of agate; but the inventioncontemplates the use of any mineral substance Whose composition presentscontrasting surfaces.

What I claim is- As a new article of manufacture, an ornamental pencilcase or barrel, consisting of a natural mineral body in a single piece,bored through and through, and so as to expose a patterned exteriorsurface, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence or two subscribing witnesses.

JOSEPH MONAGHAN. Witnesses:

WILLIAM G. MARION, Tnoms FLYNN-

